In a shocking incident that has caused outrage in Ekiti State, a police officer has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a civilian in the Ise-Ekiti area over a heated dispute involving his girlfriend. The altercation, which escalated into violence, has raised serious concerns about the conduct of police officers and their abuse of power.
According to reports, the incident occurred after an argument between the victim’s son and a female classmate. The victim’s daughter, in a viral video that spread rapidly on social media, explained the events leading up to the attack. She revealed that the officer, who was reportedly assigned as an orderly to a local chairman, went to her family’s home with another officer to confront her brother over the argument. However, upon arrival, they found only her father and elder brother at home.
The daughter explained in the video that the police officers, enraged by the dispute, attacked her father instead. “They went to our house to deal with my brother, but on getting there, they didn’t meet my brother; they met my dad and elder brother,” she said, visibly emotional in the recording. “He went on to stab my dad with his fellow police officer because his girlfriend was arguing with my brother at school.”
The viral video sparked public outrage as many social media users expressed their shock and anger over the police officer’s actions. The girl’s account and the video have shed light on the disturbing details of the assault, which left the victim in serious condition.
In response to the incident, the Ekiti State Police Command moved quickly to take action. The spokesperson for the command, SP Abutu Sunday, released a statement on Friday confirming the officer’s arrest and stating that a full investigation would be carried out. The statement read, “The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, upon noticing the complaint, directed the DC CID (Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department) to take over the case and ensure a thorough investigation is conducted.”
SP Abutu Sunday also assured the public that justice would be served in the case. “Meanwhile, the officer in question has been taken into custody for investigation and other necessary actions. The command is calling on everyone, especially the family members of the victim, to be calm, as nothing short of justice will be delivered in this case as soon as possible,” he said.
The arrest of the police officer is seen as a positive step in addressing the growing concerns regarding the behaviour of law enforcement officers in the country. However, the incident has also raised alarm over the unchecked power and authority wielded by some members of the police force.
Eyewitnesses have expressed their anger at the officer’s actions, with many highlighting that no one, regardless of their profession or status, should be allowed to carry out such violence over a personal dispute. “This officer was supposed to protect people, but instead, he abused his position of power and caused harm to an innocent person,” one local resident commented. “This is unacceptable.”
Many also questioned the role of the police officer’s girlfriend, whose argument with the victim’s son allegedly sparked the incident. Some have speculated that the officer’s violent response might have been influenced by personal emotions or conflicts. The fact that the altercation was linked to a dispute between schoolchildren has further deepened the public’s dismay, raising concerns about how issues involving young people are being handled by authorities.
In Nigeria, the relationship between citizens and the police has often been fraught with mistrust, especially in cases where police officers are accused of abuse of power or misconduct. The public’s reaction to the incident in Ekiti reflects the growing frustration with the police force, which many feel has failed to properly address issues of corruption and abuse among its ranks.
In recent years, there have been calls for police reforms, especially in light of high-profile cases of police brutality and misconduct. These include the infamous #EndSARS protests in 2020, which highlighted widespread abuses by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units across the country. The incident in Ekiti, while less severe in scale, brings to the forefront similar concerns about police accountability and oversight.
Following the arrest of the officer, local residents have expressed hope that the ongoing investigation will result in a fair and transparent process. “It is crucial that the police handle this case with integrity and ensure that justice is served,” said another resident. “If they fail to act properly, it will only reinforce the belief that the police are above the law.”
As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on the actions of the officer and the broader implications for police conduct in Nigeria.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights and safety of all citizens, regardless of their social status or relationships. While the police are meant to protect the public, there are growing concerns that some members of the force are instead using their position to settle personal scores or carry out violent actions without consequence.
